While working as an editor and assistant editor at WhereTraveler, I wrote quite a few timely pieces for both print and the web. I’ll be uploading them here, under (Un)Timely Travel, for posterity, but feel free to click on by if you’re looking for evergreen content!
From food to fashion to football, Atlanta is hosting an array of exciting events leading up to game day.
In case you haven’t heard: Super Bowl LIII is coming to Atlanta, bringing crowds of celebrities and football fanatics.
With these crowds comes an abundance of events, ranging from free to VIP. We've rounded them up here, to ensure you don't miss out on the fun.
If you’re about to click off the page because you could care less about football…don’t. Even if you aren’t in the process of planning elaborate tailgate snacks or laying out your lucky outfit, you can still enjoy the pre-game hoopla. (Oh, and you should definitely start tailgating—I mean, have you tried French onion dip? But I digress.)
All of you who already have your foam finger on, don’t worry, you can attend these events and still make it back in time for kick off.
SUPER BOWL LIVE
Jan. 26–28 & Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Hours vary
Grab your friends (yes, even those cheering for the opposing team), and head to Centennial Olympic Park for Super Bowl LIVE, presented by Verizon. The temporary fan village is open to the public, free of charge, and brands itself “the hub of fan energy and excitement leading up to gameday.”
You'll want to stop by again and again, as each day features live music from different genres; ranging from rock and country to hip hop and R&B to pop and EDM. Attractions include a Tostinos Cantina; Hyundai Fam Jam area; Kennedy Space Center exhibit (inviting you to “learn about playing football on Mars vs Moon vs Earth”); and spots to grab beer, whiskey, cognac, vodka and tequila.
SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE
Jan. 26–Feb. 2, Hours vary
Held in the Georgia World Congress Center, the Super Bowl Experience Driven by Hyundai is best described as “the NFL’s interactive theme park.” Visitors can wander through immersive exhibits; pose with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; collect autographs; “train like an NFL player” with a cone drill, 40-yard dash and broad jump; and marvel at all 52 Super Bowl rings—while hoping their team will be donning the 53rd.
BUD LIGHT SUPER BOWL MUSIC FEST
Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Hours vary
We didn’t think we could be more excited about Super Bowl LIII—then Ludacris, Migos, Aerosmith, Post Malone, Bruno Mars and Cardi B were thrown into the mix. Music-lovers have the chance to purchase tickets to three separate concerts, held in the State Farm Arena and presented by Bud Light.
To kick off the festival, Ludacris and Migos will perform alongside special guests in the EA Sports Bowl on Jan. 31. Aerosmith and Post Malone will perform on Feb. 1 and Bruno Mars and Cardi B will perform on Feb. 2.
OFF THE FIELD PLAYERS’ WIVES ASSOCIATION FASHION SHOW
Feb. 1, 11:30 am–6 pm
The Off the Field Player’s Wives Association is bringing its 18th annual Fashion Show to The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. A non-profit organization comprised of the spouses of active and retired NFL players, these women—noteworthy in their own right—are raising money to benefit Girls Who Code. The event features a red carpet, private shopping events, cocktails, celebrity and athlete appearances, and, of course, a fashion show.
SHAQ’S FUN HOUSE
Feb. 1, 9 pm–2 am
Branded by Shaquille O'Neal as “part music festival, part carnival, part circus,” Shaq’s Fun House is taking over Live! at the Battery Atlanta, for a one of a kind, pre-Super Bowl celebration. During the event, attendees can dig into food from local restaurants and enjoy a premium open bar—even Shaq knows Waffle House is the best drink pairing. Cirque Du Soleil is scheduled to perform, as are Migos, Lil Jon, T-Pain and a slew of DJs, such as Grammy Award-winner Diplo.
SUNTRUST CONFIDENCE CLASSIC
Feb. 2–3, Hours vary
The SunTrust Confidence Classic is jam-packed with must-dos. On Feb. 2, fans can purchase tickets to the 19th Annual Celebrity Flag Football Challenge and watch as pro-athletes, such as former Falcon and Atlanta Brave Brian Jordan, take the field against celebrities, such as Quavo. Be sure to arrive early to watch the pre-game Military Scrimmage. As teams battle for flag football dominance (and the Confidence Cup), a free Fan Fest will also be taking place. The two-day festival boasts live entertainment, football-themed games, trivia and more.
TASTE OF THE NFL'S 28TH ANNUAL PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
Feb. 2, VIP entry, 6 pm; Guest entry, 7 pm
Follow your taste buds around the Cobb Galleria Centre as you sample food and wine from 32 cities during Taste of the NFL's 28th Annual Party with a Purpose. Every city represented has an NFL team and each station hosts a player that guests can interact with. This year’s menu includes dishes such as, “Crisp California Lamb Belly, Heirloom Beans, Herb Salad, Pecorino, Aged Balsamic” (Los Angeles Rams) and “Handmade Basil Cavatelli, Davio’s Sausage, Butternut Squash, Lemon Butter” (New England Patriots).
After you’ve had your fill, bid in a silent auction to raise money for food banks in said cities and enjoy a performance by Martina McBride.
SUPER BOWL STORIES
Running for a limited time
Football lovers will likely already have the College Football Hall of Fame on their list of places to check out in Atlanta. Now, there’s even more reason to visit.
In partnership with the Atlanta Football Host Committee, the Hall of Fame is presenting “Super Bowl Stories: The College Connection.” Included with admission, fans will have the chance to see NFL players' game-worn jerseys, such as Kurt Warner’s 1999 NFL championship jersey.
SUPER BOWL GOSPEL CELEBRATION
Feb. 2, 8 pm EST
And be sure to tune in to BET on Feb. 2 for the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, set to be filmed at Atlanta Symphony Hall on Jan. 31 (sold out prior to publication). “The only gospel event sanctioned by the NFL for Super Bowl Weekend,” this popular concert is in its 20th year.
This article was originally written via research for WhereTraveler Atlanta.
📍 Atlanta, Georgia
